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Fort Myers Today
By the People, for the People
Former Red Sox Closer Koji Uehara Transitions to Media Career
Uehara now works as a commentator and YouTube host in Japan after retiring from MLB
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Koji Uehara, the former World Series-winning closer for the Boston Red Sox, has transitioned to a media career since retiring from baseball in 2017. Uehara now works as a commentator for Tokyo Broadcasting Systems, appearing on shows like Sunday Morning and Sports One. He also hosts a popular YouTube channel called Koji Uehara Zatsudan, where he interviews current and former Japanese baseball players. Known for his dominant pitching and affable personality, Uehara's move into media seems like a natural fit as he continues his career off the field.
Why it matters
Uehara's successful transition from MLB star to media personality highlights the growing popularity of baseball coverage and analysis in Japan. As one of the most recognizable Japanese players to have success in the majors, Uehara's media presence helps bring more attention to the sport and connect Japanese fans with their countrymen playing in the United States.
The details
Since retiring after the 2017 season, the 50-year-old Uehara has taken on several media roles in Japan. His main job is as a commentator for Tokyo Broadcasting Systems, where he appears on programs like the Sunday morning show and the sports news show Sports One. Uehara also started his own popular YouTube channel in 2020 called Koji Uehara Zatsudan, which features sit-down interviews and conversations ('zatsudan' means 'chat' in English) with current and former Japanese baseball players. The channel has over 1 million subscribers.
- Uehara retired from MLB after the 2017 season.
- Uehara was approached to work for Tokyo Broadcasting Systems in 2020.
- Uehara started his YouTube channel Koji Uehara Zatsudan shortly after in 2020.
The players
Koji Uehara
A former MLB pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox from 2013-2016, winning the World Series in 2013. He is now a media personality in Japan, working as a commentator for Tokyo Broadcasting Systems and hosting a popular YouTube channel.
What they’re saying
“I retired and was not able to play as I used to, so I transitioned to the media field so I can continue my career as a reporter.”
— Koji Uehara (Tokyo Broadcasting Systems)
“I was having a lot of extra time after I retired and someone approached me asking if I wanted to do this YouTube channel. I always have a guest come in, so it's nothing too difficult, but just what I'm thinking about.”
— Koji Uehara (Tokyo Broadcasting Systems)
The takeaway
Uehara's successful transition from MLB star to media personality in Japan demonstrates the growing popularity of baseball coverage and analysis in the country. As a recognizable Japanese player who found success in the majors, Uehara's media presence helps connect Japanese fans with their countrymen playing in the United States.
